The Girl Who Stayed

Since her medical crisis in 2021, Sophie Hardin has fought hard toward recovery, discovering along the way that healing is an ongoing journey. Through every challenge, her faith has remained her foundation, reminding her that even the deepest valleys can become places of growth, purpose and hope. 

Sophie has become a passionate advocate and voice for the voiceless through her work with young children with autism. Her compassion and heart for others shine through both her personal and professional life. She is especially passionate about investing in high school students, openly sharing her testimony to encourage others and demonstrate how God can work powerfully through hardship and brokenness. 

She spends evenings and weekends with a close-knit group of friends whom she credits with helping her to move forward in life. They love her where she is and cheer for her on the hardest days. 

Sophie continues to defy early expectations placed on her life. She recently ran a marathon, went skydiving, hiked through Colorado and crossed numerous adventures off her bucket list. She is living proof that God’s plans are far greater than any prediction. 

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Melissa Hardin lives in Kansas City with her husband, Kevin, of 33 years. She treasures evenings spent FaceTiming her grandbabies, connecting with her three daughters and unwinding after her workdays with K–8th students at a local charter school. 

With more than 35 years in social work, Melissa has dedicated her life to advocating for others and championing the underdog. Known for encouraging people to step into freedom and pursue justice, she is passionate about helping others find their voice, overcome obstacles, and live with courage and purpose.